MIRM's Immersion Programme
for Divergent Learners

The Make It Right Movement (MIRM) has long been committed to fostering inclusivity and empowering marginalised groups. One of its standout initiatives, the Immersion Programme for Divergent Learners, exemplifies this commitment by offering persons with disabilities (PWDs) the opportunity to gain crucial life skills, enhance their employability and transition towards independent living.

Launched as a pioneering effort, the Immersion Programme bridges the gap between people with disabilities and the corporate world by providing them with comprehensive training that focuses on both hard and soft skills. This program offers participants hands-on experience in real-world work environments, empowering them to succeed and build confidence in their abilities.

The Purpose of the Immersion Programme

People with disabilities often face significant barriers when seeking employment or trying to integrate into mainstream society. These barriers include societal misconceptions, lack of accessibility and limited opportunities to acquire the skills necessary for professional success.

The Immersion Programme is designed to address these challenges head-on by equipping participants with the practical skills needed to thrive in a corporate environment. The programme not only enhances their job prospects but also boosts their self-confidence, helping them lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

How the Programme Works

The Immersion Programme is structured to provide a holistic approach to training. Every Tuesday and Thursday, participants are immersed in a corporate environment where they are trained on a range of essential skills, including:

Hard Skills Training - Participants are provided with job-specific training to enhance their technical abilities. This includes skills related to data entry, administrative work, customer service and even specialised areas such as barista training, as part of MIRM’s collaboration with Reliance College.

Soft Skills Development - Alongside technical skills, participants are trained in key soft skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and problem-solving. These skills are essential for success in any professional environment and the programme emphasises their importance to ensure participants can adapt and thrive in their roles.

Workplace Experience - The programme places a strong emphasis on real-world experience. Participants are given opportunities to work in actual corporate settings where they can apply their newly acquired skills. This hands-on approach helps them gain valuable experience, build professional networks and understand the dynamics of a workplace environment.

Confidence Building - For many individuals with disabilities, the programme offers a rare opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones and build self-confidence. By participating in a structured work environment, they develop a sense of independence and are empowered to take control of their professional and personal lives.

Creating an Inclusive Environment

One of the standout features of the Immersion Programme is its focus on inclusivity. MIRM has carefully designed the programme to ensure that the training environment is supportive and accessible for all participants, regardless of their disabilities. This includes:

• Accessibility in the Workplace: The corporate environments where the training takes place are carefully selected to ensure they are physically accessible for people with mobility challenges. Additionally, accommodations such as assistive technology and tools are provided to meet the needs of individuals with visual or hearing impairments.

• Tailored Learning: Recognising that each participant has unique needs and learning styles, MIRM customises the training to ensure that every individual receives the support they require to succeed. This personalised approach helps participants learn at their own pace while still pushing them to meet their full potential.

• Mentorship and Support: Throughout the programme, participants are supported by mentors and trainers who provide guidance, encouragement and feedback. This mentorship is crucial in helping participants overcome challenges, build resilience and maintain motivation as they progress through the programme.

Success Stories and Impact

The impact of the Immersion Programme has been transformative, both for the participants and the companies involved. Many participants have successfully transitioned into permanent employment, while others have gained the confidence to pursue further training or education.

For example, MIRM’s partnership with specialjobs.com.my, a platform designed to connect people with disabilities to potential employers, has seen remarkable success in helping participants find meaningful employment. The programme has also collaborated with various corporations that are eager to diversify their workforce and create inclusive working environments.

Some participants, like those who have undergone barista training through MIRM’s partnership with Reliance College, have found jobs in cafes, while others have entered administrative roles in various industries. The programme not only helps individuals secure employment but also empowers them to live more independently, as they gain the financial stability and skills to support themselves.

The Role of Corporations

The Immersion Programme would not be possible without the support of corporations that believe in the importance of inclusion. By participating in the programme, these companies demonstrate their commitment to diversity and give people with disabilities the opportunity to contribute to the workforce.

Through the programme, companies are also able to benefit from the unique talents and perspectives that people with disabilities bring to the workplace. By creating an inclusive environment, these organisations are helping to break down the barriers that often prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in society.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Immersion Programme

Given the success of the Immersion Programme, MIRM plans to expand its reach to more participants and companies across Malaysia. The goal is to create more opportunities for people with disabilities to gain meaningful employment and lead independent lives.

MIRM also aims to enhance the programme by introducing additional training modules, expanding partnerships with corporations and increasing public awareness of the importance of workplace inclusion for people with disabilities. The long-term vision is to make the Immersion Programme a national model for inclusion, one that can be replicated in other regions and industries.